Abi Wilson
Title: HR Manager
Employer: Rouse Honey Ltd
Degree: Anthropology and History (BA Hons), HR Management (MA)
After school I did a BTEC in Business and Finance, before going to work for an accountancy firm. A few years later I decided that line of work wasn’t for me. I wanted to do something for myself, so I decided to do a degree in Anthropology and History.
I then had my son and took a five year career break. During this time I decided I wanted to get into HR. In order to progress quickly (bearing in mind I was already in my early thirties), I did an MA in HR Management and got my CIPD. I’ve now been in this role for five years and I love it.
The moral of my story is that you shouldn’t worry if you don’t know exactly what you want to do in life, because if you’re passionate and determined enough you can change direction at any time. I firmly believe that you go through life cycles, so if you decide you don’t like the job you’re in, you can do something about it. The world is an ever-changing place, and you need to be just as dynamic, flexible and ready for change.
Everyone should draw on their life experiences when it comes to demonstrating that you have the skills employers are looking for. Before going for an interview, sit down and think about everything you’ve done, whether it’s doing the gardening for an elderly neighbour, caring for a relative, doing charity work or working in McDonald’s. All your experiences will illustrate something about your character – you just have to put it into the words an employer wants to hear.
It’s also really important to speak to professionals, such as the Careers and Employment Centre. They’ll help you collect your thoughts and see your experiences as an employer will see them. For me, they helped me believe in myself.
In preparation for your interviews, of course you should do your homework on the company and prepare for questions you think they might ask, but also think about questions you can ask them. For instance:
- How will your training and development take shape?
- Why does your interviewer enjoy working there?
- How did they get their job?
- What is the company’s short, middle and long term business plan?
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